Method and device for the gravimetric and in-series distribution of solution

ABSTRACT

A method and device for the gravimetric and in-series distribution of a predetermined quantity of a solution. The device has a delivery mechanism for delivering a solution, a weighing mechanism and a mechanism for measuring an operating value to establish a setpoint value of the delivery mechanism during a calibration step during which the weighing mechanism is used for the delivery of a predetermined quantity of solution. The device also has an actuating mechanism to actuate the delivery mechanism with the setpoint value to carry out one or more distribution steps with the delivery of the predetermined quantity of solution without using the weighing mechanism.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein is in the field of the in-series distribution of liquid or viscous solution, particularly in the field of dilution. Embodiments of the invention relate more particularly to the field gravimetric in-series distribution of solution and still more particularly to a method and a device for the gravimetric in-series distribution of a given quantity of liquid solution with gravimetric distribution being understood to mean a distribution of solution into a container to which the solution is conveyed by one or more delivery means to a point situated above the container at a non-zero distance from the bottom of the container or from a filling opening of the container, the solution then flowing into the container by gravity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Several devices for the gravimetric distribution of a predetermined quantity of a solution are currently known. In most of these devices, the distribution is carried out with the solution being conveyed by a delivery means to a point situated above a container and the solution then flowing by gravity into the container. The delivery means is governed by a control means actuating its operation.

During the pouring of the solution into the container, a weighing means monitors the quantity of solution poured into the container by measuring, in real time or at a predetermined frequency, the weight of the solution present in the container. As a function of the measured weight and the weight of the desired total quantity, the actuating means actuates the operation of the delivery means. When the weight measured by the weighing means is equal to the weight of the desired total quantity of solution, the control means stops the delivery means.

The fact of controlling the delivery of the solution and more generally the distribution of solution by a weight measurement slows down the distribution of solution. In fact, it is necessary to leave enough time for the weighing means to give an accurate indication of the weight then to control the delivery means as a function of this accurate indication.

Moreover, in known systems, when the weight measured by the weighing means approaches the weight of the desired quantity of solution, the control means slows down the delivery carried out by the delivery means to improve the accuracy of the distribution. This slows down the distribution still further. Such slowing down is particularly detrimental and causes a significant loss of time in the case of in-series distribution. Moreover, the fact of modifying the operation of the delivery means reduces the service life of this means.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A purpose of the present invention is to remedy the drawbacks summarized hereinabove.

A more particular purpose of the invention is to propose a device and a method for the gravimetric in-series distribution of solution that is more rapid than the devices of the state of the art.

Yet another purpose of the invention is to propose a device and a method for the gravimetric in-series distribution of solution with lower energy consumption.

Still another purpose of the invention is to propose a device and a method for the gravimetric in-series distribution of solution that demonstrates increased service life of the means used.

These and in all likelihood further objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious not only to one who reviews the present specification and drawings but also to those who have an opportunity to experience an embodiment of the method and device for the gravimetric and in-series distribution of solution disclosed herein. However, it will be appreciated that, although the accomplishment of each of the foregoing objects in a single embodiment of the invention may be possible and indeed preferred, not all embodiments will seek or need to accomplish each and every potential advantage and function. Nonetheless, all such embodiments should be considered within the scope of the present invention.

In certain embodiments, the invention proposes achieving at least one of the abovementioned purposes with a device for the gravimetric and in-series distribution of a predetermined quantity of a solution. In such embodiments, the device can have at least one means of delivering said solution into a container, at least one measuring means supplying a so-called measurement data, relating to the quantity of solution delivered into said container, and at least one control means arranged to carry out several iterations of the following steps during a calibration and delivery step: receiving, from the measuring means, said measurement data, and controlling said delivery means as a function of said measurement data so as to deliver said predetermined quantity of solution into the container during said delivery step. The device can also have at least one means for measuring at least one so-called setpoint value relating to the operation of said delivery means during the calibration step and at least one means for actuating the delivery means or an identical delivery means, as a function of said setpoint value, so as to carry out at least one other, distribution and delivery step.

The gravimetric distribution device according to the invention carries out a first calibration step utilizing a weighing means to measure an operating setpoint of the delivery means and then to use this operating setpoint to carry out the distribution steps without using the weighing means. Thus, the device according to the invention makes it possible to carry out more rapid in-series distribution than the devices of the state of the art. Moreover, not using the weighing means for the distribution steps, the distribution device according to the invention consumes less energy than the distribution devices which use the weighing means during all the distribution steps. Furthermore, with the distribution device according to the invention, it is possible to achieve smooth operation of the delivery means, which makes it possible to increase the service life of the delivery means. Finally, it is possible with the device according to the invention to carry out a distribution independent of the empty weight of the containers since the quantity delivered is no longer linked to the weight of the container but is directly dependent on an operating setpoint of the delivery means.

Devices according to the invention can be presented in the form of a one-piece assembly thereby making it easy to handle. In further embodiments, the device according to the invention can additionally comprise one or more display screens, optionally touch-screens, actuating means, such as buttons, a keyboard or sensors or also visual or sound signalling means allowing a user to take note of information provided by the device and to enter data.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the measuring means can comprise a weight measuring means. More particularly, the measuring means can comprise a weight measuring means comprising a strain gauge sensor, such as electronic scales.

The delivery means can comprise at least one delivery component for delivery of the solution through what may be referred to as a delivery tube, said delivery component being in contact with the solution. Such a delivery component can for example comprise a volumetric pump or any other type of pump, a diaphragm pump, centrifugal pump or gear pump.

In an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, the delivery means can comprise at least one component for the delivery of the solution through at least one so-called delivery tube, said delivery component not coming into contact with said solution. Such embodiments have the advantage of not having to clean, sterilize or maintain the delivery component under strict hygiene conditions since it is not in contact with the solution.

Advantageously, a delivery component can be a peristaltic pump, through which the delivery tube passes. According to the invention, the delivery means can comprise several peristaltic pumps arranged in parallel, the delivery tube comprising a branch associated with each of said pumps. The use of several peristaltic pumps makes it possible to increase the speed of distribution of the solution. In this case, an operating setpoint associated with each of the pumps can be measured and each of the pumps can be actuated by the setpoint associated with this pump.

The delivery means can also comprise at least two peristaltic pumps, mounted in parallel, and arranged to operate out of phase. The out-of-phase operation of the peristaltic pumps makes it possible to obtain greater continuity of delivery of the solution so that the solution pours into the container more smoothly.

The delivery means can moreover comprise at least one component modifying the flow of the solution in the delivery tube by a pressure exerted on said tube. The pressure can, for example, be exerted by clamping the tube between two parts of the delivery component constituting the two parts of a clamp. In this case, the distributed solution can flow either by gravity from a reservoir positioned high up with respect to the delivery means or because it is put under pressure in the tube upstream or downstream of the delivery means.

The device according to the invention can also comprise at least one storage means for storing the setpoint value. The setpoint value can, for example, be stored in association with a given tube, a solution of a given viscosity and for a given delivery means, so that this value can be retrieved for a future distribution of solution or can be communicated to an external solution distribution device with a view to repeating the accurate distribution of solution as desired.

The setpoint value can comprise at least one value or any combination including one or more of the following values: a rotation or a number of rotations, an operating time, an opening/closing time, power consumed, a distance and/or angle through which a rotating component passes, a number of pulses for a flap valve pump or two-way pump, or any other effective setpoint value disclosed or rendered obvious by the present invention.

In a particular embodiment, the actuating means actuating the delivery means as a function of the setpoint value can be incorporated into the control means. In this case, the actuating means can be an actuating means located in the control means. Thus, during the calibration phase, the control means is used to actuate the delivery means as a function of the measurement data provided by the weighing means. During a distribution phase the same control means actuates the delivery means as a function, no longer of a measurement data, but of the setpoint value.

According to a particular version of the device according to the invention, the actuating means can be arranged to be activated manually by an operator to carry out a distribution step. The actuating means can alternatively or also be programmable to carry out several distribution steps over time, potentially according to programmed timing.

The programming can, for example, be carried out with data entry means incorporated in or connected to the device according to the invention or by transfer of executable instructions from another device via a wireless connection, a wired connection, or means for reading from data storage equipment, such as, for example, means for reading from storage means via an electronic connection, such as a USB connection. In any case, the timing can be regular over time or not.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the device according to the invention can comprise a support, said support being arranged to hold and move an opening for pouring the solution delivered by the delivery means into a container, in at least one spatial direction. The support can be arranged to move the pouring opening in two or three spatial directions, perpendicular to each other or not. The movement in each direction can be a rectilinear or linear translation and/or a rotation. The pouring opening can for example be an open end of a delivery tube into which the solution flows.

The open end of the delivery tube can be equipped with a nozzle or another device.

Advantageously, the support can be equipped with motorization means arranged to be actuated by at least one actuating means that can optionally be programmable. Thus, it is possible to carry out an automated distribution series by indicating the movements to be accomplished by the support so that the pouring opening is located above each of the containers provided for receiving the distributed solution in turn. In an advantageous embodiment, the motorization means of the support can be actuated by the actuating means of the delivery means. Thus, the device according to the invention can comprise a single actuating means for actuating the delivery means during the calibration step and the distribution steps and the support during the distribution steps.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for the gravimetric and in-series distribution of a predetermined quantity of a solution. The method can comprise a first phase, which can be referred to as a calibration phase, comprising a calibration step of delivery of solution into a container by a delivery means. The calibration step can be carried forth by several iterations of the following operations: measurement of a measurement data relating to the quantity of solution delivered into said container and actuation of said delivery means as a function of said measurement data and of said predetermined quantity so as to deliver said predetermined quantity of solution into said container during said calibration step. A setpoint value can be measured that can relate to the operation of said delivery means during said calibration step. A second phase can comprise an in-series distribution phase comprising several iterations of a delivery step by successive actuation of said delivery means with said setpoint value.

The device and the method according to the invention can be advantageously used for the dilution of liquid and/or solid products for chemical and/or biological and/or microbiological and/or bacteriological analyses.

One will appreciate that the foregoing discussion broadly outlines the more important goals and features of the invention to enable a better understanding of the detailed description that follows and to instill a better appreciation of the inventor's contribution to the art. Before any particular embodiment or aspect thereof is explained in detail, it must be made clear that the following details of construction and illustrations of inventive concepts are mere examples of the many possible manifestations of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other advantages and characteristics will become apparent on examination of the detailed description of embodiments which are in no way limitative, and the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of the method according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded diagrammatic representation of a device according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded diagrammatic representation of an alternative device according to the invention; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a device as taught herein.

In the figures and in the remainder of the description, the components common to several figures retain the same reference number.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The method and device for the gravimetric and in-series distribution of solution disclosed herein are subject to a wide variety of embodiments. However, to ensure that one skilled in the art will be able to understand and, in appropriate cases, practice the present invention, certain preferred embodiments of the broader invention revealed herein are described below and shown in the accompanying drawing figures. Therefore, before any particular embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it must be made clear that the following details of construction and illustrations of inventive concepts are mere examples of the many possible manifestations of the invention.

Turning more particularly to the drawings, a method 100 for the gravimetric and in-series distribution of solution according to the present invention is represented in the form of a diagram. There, the method 100 can be seen to comprise what may be referred to as a calibration phase 102 that is followed by what may be referred to as an in-series distribution phase 104.

The calibration phase 102 commences with a step 106 beginning the delivery of the solution to be distributed into a container. Specifically, this step consists of the actuation of the delivery means, which can be a peristaltic pump.

During delivery of the solution, a step 108 consists of a measurement of the quantity of solution, such as the weight of the solution, present in the container. This measurement step 108 requires the use of a measuring means, which can, for example, comprise a weighing means.

The quantity measured, such as the weight, is then compared with the desired quantity of product, for example to the desired weight, during a step 110. If the measured quantity is less than the desired quantity with a small margin of error, the delivery is continued during a step 112 and the steps 108 and 110 are repeated. If the measured quantity is equal to the desired quantity with a small margin of error, the delivery is stopped during a step 114. Specifically, this step consists of stopping the delivery means.

A setpoint value describing the operation of the delivery means from the start of the delivery until the stopping of the delivery is then measured and stored during a step 116. This setpoint value can, for example, be a number of rotation(s) made by a peristaltic pump, if the delivery means is a peristaltic pump. This setpoint value can be any data which can be accurately measured and repeated, accurately describing the operation of the delivery means.

The in-series distribution phase 104 comprises several iterations of what can be referred to as a distribution step 118, consisting of actuating the delivery means so that it carries out an operation according to the setpoint value without measuring the quantity of product present in the container.

At the end of each distribution step, a step 120 of pausing/stopping the means of operation is carried out to determine whether the distribution phase has been completed. If so, the method 100 is completed. If not, the method provides for a pause in distribution allowing the user or an automated mobile support to change the container into which the solution is poured. A new distribution step is then carried out, without being concerned about measuring the delivered quantity, and only actuating the delivery means in order to reach the operating setpoint of the delivery means.

Thus, during the calibration phase 102, the weighing means is used whereas the weighing means is not used during the distribution phase. The distribution phase is an iteration of a step of operating the delivery means according to the setpoint value.

FIG. 2 is an exploded diagrammatic representation of a first embodiment of a device 200 according to the invention. The device 200 comprises at least one non-contact delivery means 202 carrying out the delivery of a solution from a reservoir 204 as far as a container 206 through a delivery tube 208. The delivery means 202 can comprise one or more peristaltic pumps.

One of the ends of the delivery tube 208 is connected to the reservoir 204, and the other end is arranged on a support 210 that positions it over the container 206.

The device 200 has scales 212 on which the container 206 is arranged, and a module 214 is connected to the scales 212 and receives from the scales 212 a weight value corresponding to the weight of the solution present in the container 206. The module 214 is moreover arranged to compare the measured weight value with a desired weight value corresponding to a predetermined quantity of solution to be delivered into the container 206.

The module 214 is connected to what may be referred to as an actuating module 216, which controls the operation of the delivery means 202. The device 200 additionally includes a module 218 for determining an operating setpoint value of the delivery means 202 during the calibration phase. The setpoint value can, for example, be a rotation or a number of rotations made by the peristaltic pump 202 to deliver the predetermined quantity of solution.

The device 200 further has a storage means or module 220, for example a flash memory, in which the setpoint value determined by the module 218 is stored.

What may be referred to as a planning module 222 allows a user to enter a process for the in-series distribution of solution by means of, for example, a touch screen 224, an alphanumeric keyboard 226, or some other input means.

During the calibration phase, the actuation module 216 receives the result of the comparison carried out by the module 214 and actuates the delivery means 202 as a function of this comparison. Also during the distribution phase, the actuation module 216 receives from the storage means 220 the setpoint value determined by the module 218 and the data relating to the distribution process from the planning module 222 and actuates the delivery means 202 as a function of these data to carry out one or more solution distribution steps, each of the steps being carried out by actuating the delivery means 202 to reach the operating setpoint.

The device 200 can also comprise a manual activation means, such as a button 228 that allows a user to carry out and control the in-series distribution without having to enter planning data. In this case, each time the button 228 is pressed, the control means and actuation module 216 accesses the storage means 220 to read the setpoint value and actuates the delivery means 202 to reach the operating setpoint.

The end 230 of the delivery tube 208 beside the container 206, which may also be called the pouring end, is equipped with a nozzle or tip 232 to improve the pouring of the solution into the container 206.

In the embodiment in FIG. 2, the support 210 is not motorized. The delivery tube 208 is detachably connected to the support 210, and the user can manually position the pouring end 230 and tip 232 of the delivery tube 208 on a particular container and start a solution distribution step, such as by pressing the button 228.

FIG. 3 depicts a device 300 according to the embodiment of FIG. 2. The device 300 is presented in the form of a unitary assembly comprising a body 302 in which the modules 214 to 222 are arranged. The device 300 has three peristaltic pumps 202 ₁, 202 ₂, and 202 ₃ mounted in parallel for delivering a solution through one or more delivery tubes 208 having a branch associated with each of the pumps 202, namely the branches 208 ₁, 208 ₂ and 208 ₃.

It is possible with the pumps 202 to carry out the distribution of the same solution, or of two or three solutions in parallel. In the example shown, the pumps 202 ₁ and 202 ₂ carry out the distribution of the same solution originating from a first reservoir (not shown) and the pump 202 ₃ carries out the distribution of a second solution originating from a second reservoir (not shown).

The device 300 has a first delivery tube comprising the branches 208 ₁ and 208 ₂ opening at a first pouring end 230 ₁ and a second delivery tube, independent of the first delivery tube 208 ₁ and 208 ₂, comprising the branch 208 ₃ opening at a second pouring end 230 ₂ both equipped with a pouring nozzle/tip.

The support 210 is made up of a holding element 304 for the pouring ends 230 ₁ and 230 ₂ that is arranged on an arm 306 held by two uprights 308 and 310 parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the arm 306. The uprights 308 and 310 join the body 302 of the device 300 behind the container 206 with respect to the user. The uprights 308 and 310 are mobile in rotation with respect to the body 302 about an axis 312 substantially parallel to the arm 306 so that the support 210 is mobile in rotation about the axis 312, which is moreover parallel to the front face of the device 302.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a second embodiment of a device 400 according to the invention. The device 400 shown in FIG. 4 comprises all the components of the device 200 of FIG. 2. In the device 400, the support 210 is mounted mobile in the three spatial directions. The device 400 also has motorization means 402 that can be actuated. The motorization means 402 can comprise one or more motors, for example stepper motors and one or more belts or slides that can move a holding element for the pouring end in two or three spatial dimensions to position it over a particular container in turn. The motorization means 402 are connected to the actuation module 216, which actuates these means 402 as a function of data received by the planning module 222.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of a second example of a device 500 according to the invention carrying forth the embodiment of FIG. 4. The device 500 shown in FIG. 5 is presented in the form of a unitary piece assembly with a body 502 in which the modules 214 to 222 are arranged.

The device 500 has two peristaltic pumps 202 ₁ and 202 ₂ mounted in parallel and able to delivering solution through a delivery tube having a branch associated with each of the pumps 202, namely the branches 208 ₁ and 208 ₂, opening at a pouring end 230 equipped with a nozzle or tip 232.

The device 500 has a support 210 comprising a holding element 504 for the pouring end 230 arranged in a mobile manner on an arm 506. The holding element 504 is mobile in translation with respect to the arm 506 in the direction defined by the arm, represented by the axis 508, for example along or about the arm 506, over substantially the entire length of the arm 506 as represented by the arrow 510.

The arm 506 is mobile in translation along an axis 512 perpendicular to the axis 508, on or around two guides 514 and 516 parallel to each other and perpendicular to the arm 506. The guides 514 and 516 are held by uprights 518 ₁ to 518 ₄ high enough for a receptacle 520 comprising a plurality of containers 206 to be arranged between the arm 506 and the weighing means 212, and more particularly on the weighing means 212.

The holding element 504 is moved over/about the mobile arm 506 by one or more motors 505, for example stepper motors, optionally using belts. The mobile arm 506 is moved over/around the guides 514 and 516 by one or more motors 507, for example stepper motors, optionally using belts. The motors 505 and 507 can be connected to the actuation module 216 by wires or wirelessly.

As a function of the previously indicated position of each of the containers 206, the actuation module actuates the motors 505 and 507 to position the pouring end 230 above the container 206, actuates the delivery means, such as the peristaltic pumps 202 ₁ and 202 ₂ to deliver the predetermined quantity of product by reaching the operating setpoint, and stops the delivery means to move the pouring end 230 over another container 206.

Each module 214 to 222 can be a software module or a set of instructions executed by an electronic or computer component, or also a physical module, such as an integrated circuit, an electronic chip or a processor such as an EEPROM. Although presented separately for greater clarity, some or all of the modules 214 to 222 can be utilized in the same assembly or the same processor or also in the same set of executable instructions.

Of course the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described. Indeed, with certain details and embodiments of method and device for the gravimetric and in-series distribution of solution according to the present invention disclosed, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that changes and additions could be made thereto without deviating from the spirit or scope of the invention. This is particularly true when one bears in mind that the presently preferred embodiments merely exemplify the broader invention revealed herein. Accordingly, it will be clear that those with certain major features of the invention in mind could craft embodiments that incorporate those major features while not incorporating all of the features included in the preferred embodiments.

Therefore, the following claims are intended to define the scope of protection to be afforded to the inventor. Those claims shall be deemed to include equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. It must be further noted that a plurality of the following claims may express certain elements as means for performing a specific function, at times without the recital of structure or material. As the law demands, these claims shall be construed to cover not only the corresponding structure and material expressly described in this specification but also all equivalents thereof that might be now known or hereafter discovered. 

1. A device for the gravimetric and in-series distribution of a predetermined quantity of a solution, the device comprising: at least one means for delivering the solution into a container; at least one measuring means to supply measurement data relating to the quantity of solution delivered into the container; at least one control means that carries out several iterations of the following steps during a calibration delivery step: receiving the measurement data from the measuring means and actuating the delivery means as a function of the measurement data so as to deliver the predetermined quantity of solution into the container during the calibration delivery step; at least one means for measuring at least one setpoint value relating to the operation of the delivery means during the calibration delivery step; at least one means for actuating a delivery means as a function of the setpoint value to carry out at least one distribution delivery step; and a support disposed to hold and move in at least one spatial direction an opening for pouring the solution delivered by the delivery means into a container.
 2. The device according to claim 1 wherein the device comprises a unitary assembly.
 3. The device according to claim 1 wherein the measuring means comprises a weight measuring means.
 4. The device according to claim 1 wherein the delivery means comprises at least one delivery component for delivering the solution through at least one delivery tube, the delivery component not in contact with the solution.
 5. The device according to claim 4 characterized in that at least one delivery component is a peristaltic pump.
 6. The device according to claim 4 wherein the delivery means comprises at least one component with means for modifying the flow of the solution in the delivery tube by a pressure exerted on the tube.
 7. The device according to claim 1 further comprising at least one means for storing the setpoint value.
 8. The device according to claim 1 wherein the actuating means is incorporated into the control means.
 9. The device according to claim 1 wherein the actuating means is manually activated to carry out the distribution delivery step.
 10. The device according to claim 1 wherein the actuating means is programmable to carry out several distribution delivery steps over time according to programmed timing.
 11. The device according to claim 1 further comprising at least one programmable actuating means and wherein the support further comprises motorization means actuated by the programmable actuating means.
 12. The device according to claim 11 wherein the motorization means of the support is actuated by the means for actuating the delivery means.
 13. A method for the dilution of a product using the device of claim
 1. 14. A method for the gravimetric and in-series distribution of a predetermined quantity of a solution, the method comprising: providing at least one means for delivering the solution into a container; providing at least one measuring means to supply measurement data relating to the quantity of solution delivered into the container; providing at least one control means that carries out several iterations of the following steps during a calibration delivery step: receiving the measurement data from the measuring means and actuating the delivery means as a function of the measurement data so as to deliver the predetermined quantity of solution into the container during the calibration delivery step; providing at least one means for measuring at least one setpoint value relating to the operation of the delivery means during the calibration delivery step; providing at least one means for actuating a delivery means as a function of the setpoint value to carry out at least one distribution delivery step; a support disposed to hold and move in at least one spatial direction an opening for pouring the solution delivered by the delivery means into a container; and distributing a predetermined quantity of solution by use of the delivery means.
 15. The method according to claim 14 further comprising the step of storing the setpoint value.
 16. The method according to claim 14 wherein the actuating means is programmable to carry out several distribution delivery steps over time according to programmed timing and further comprising the step of programming the actuating means. 